“…Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33 NIV). Many people go throughout their lives seeking after fame and fortune; hoping that material possessions will make them happy. The Bible teaches that we should love the Lord with all our hearts and seek after Him first. It is through seeking His face that we can receive His blessings in our lives. As people we often believe that we know what is best for us, and that we understand what will fill our hearts. When in fact, it is only in Christ Jesus that we can fully understand who we are and truly receive happiness. The Bible says; “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24 NAS). A person can not figure out God in their mind. The Lord can not be put in a box. He is vast, with many sides and attributes. We love God through worshiping Him. We worship Him through obeying Him; and it is in this obedience that we find His calling and purpose for our lives. A perfect example of this is displayed in the Book of Matthew, in the story of the rich young ruler. Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments.’
“Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” ”All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19:16-22 NIV) This is a story about a man who desired to follow the Lord; but when the Lord instructed him on what to do, the man would not. For this rich young ruler; the price he would’ve had to pay to follow Christ outweighed his love for Him. Does this mean then that if you want to follow Christ you must give away your possessions? Not at all. For the rich young ruler this was the case, because he was asked to do so by the Lord. It was about obeying the Lord. This passage of Scripture is a representation of the heart of man. Many desire a walk with God but are unwilling to pay the price to have it. The Bible says; “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14 NAS). The ones that are chosen, choose to be. They do this by obeying God, laying down their lives, and surrendering to the call.
What is in your life that is keeping you from God? Is it a relationship? Is it money? Or a heart condition before the Lord? Whatever it might be, it isn’t worth sacrificing a relationship with Him for monetary or temporal gain. God is real, and His presence is evident in each and every life. The Bible says; “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you…” (Jeremiah 1:5 NAS). God has a plan for your life; beyond your own thoughts and plans. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD (Isaiah 55:8 NAS).
Today, I encourage you to seek the Lord. I encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to apprehend your heart, and to reveal to you the things in your heart that need to be adjusted. No matter where you walk before the Lord, there is always a deeper place and a higher way. This day seek Him and allow Him to speak to your heart.
You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I ask that You would touch my heart this day, and do a work in me. I desire to go deeper in the things of Your Spirit, and I ask that You would reveal to me the deeper truths. I give You my heart and my life this day; and I thank You for these things.
In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,
Amen
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